Josip Iličić (foto: pigac.si)
Maribor's camp has provided an explanation regarding the ongoing status of the club's star player, Josip Iličić.
On Tuesday late afternoon, Maribor finally responded and clarified the situation regarding Josip Iličić, whom coach Damir Krznar informed after the end of the eternal derby that he no longer counts on him.
Iličić remains a member of the club, but for the time being, he will not be part of the first team. The club indirectly acknowledged that his physical fitness is problematic.
"The club's clarification regarding the current events in Ljudski vrt: at the coach's initiative, a decision was made that future team activities will proceed without the presence of Josip Iličić. Until further notice, he will train according to an individual, club program and will not be among the candidates to play in the upcoming matches.
The team had a day off on Monday as per the pre-planned schedule, and from Tuesday afternoon, we are opening a new chapter of the work cycle. In the meantime, all direct participants met, exchanged views in an open conversation, and agreed on the next steps. Coach Damir Krznar explained the reasons for the decision, sports director Marko Šuler confirmed the resolution, and Josip Iličić began working according to an individual, club program with the aim of achieving the desired level of physical fitness.
In the meantime, a meeting of the executive board was convened on Monday evening to inform all members about the current situation. It was a presentation of the entire situation and the planned plan to find a way out of the performance crisis.
The unanimous opinion is that it is currently most important to turn the performance curve upwards again, and all efforts will be directed towards achieving sports goals," Maribor announced.